FSE

Furry search engine

formerly SoFurry search engine

"There she is, Admiral, the long-abandoned Starboard Point. Back on that fateful day, the poor thing ran aground at that island in contested waters, and the crew had to row their way back home over miles of stormy seas. Now that the treaty has been signed and the island is in international waters, the Point and all of her treasure are ripe for the picking."

Indeed there is an old ship there, moored up along some rocks on the tiny island. What a sad sight it is for Dai, to see a vessel that was once so majestic, just be abandoned for rust, gulls, and waves to turn into a husk of its former self.

"Please," Dai says, pulling down a spy glass from his face. "Do not call me 'Admiral.' I haven't worn that title in years."

"Well, beggin' yer pardon, sir," the sailor who pointed out the shipwreck to him said. "But, why are you dressed up as one?"

Dai turns to him, his gloved hands behind his back as he stands tall on his bare hare feet. His nose twitches slightly as he considers the turtle sailor for a moment, before taking a deep breath, turning back to the wreck once more. "Consider it a force of habit," the former admiral says. "It doesn't feel right to be out on the sea without the proper attire."

"Eh, suit yourself. It certainly gives us credibility. Now, come down, sir. The captain wants to discuss our plan again." The turtle hobbles off, leaving Dai alone to watch the ever-approaching ship and sigh. "Such a waste of a beautiful vessel. Oh well," he turns away from it and smiles, heading to follow the turtle. "At least your cargo won't go unused now."

On the bridge, the captain and a few other sailors stand around a set of blueprints. One empty space around the table has the best reach to the schematics. The gathered crew stares over the information, and mull over the best plan of attack. Finally, the door opens and Dai steps inside, his ears brushing against the doorframe as he makes it to the previously vacant spot at the table. "Alright, then. Did you need my opinion once more? I thought we already settled on our plan of action?"

The captain, a surly cat, points a pointed claw to the stern. "We need to get into this room, Dai. And you told us we could easily get there through this corridor."

Dai quickly glances once more at the image. He easily visualizes the ship in his mind, having once commanded the same type of vessel. "You are correct. Is there a problem?"

"It's flooded with water! We don't have the proper equipment to get in through such a tight passageway with our SCUBA gear. This whole operation will be a bust if we can't make it inside there."

"Hm... Yes, that is an issue," he says, bringing his hands in front of him. With gloved fingers, he taps on the board, the soft fabric serving to mute the sound. "Perhaps, then," he says, lifting off of the spot, careful not to get too much dirt on his glove as he presses down on the blueprint elsewhere. "We can divert some of the water over to this chamber. This shouldn't hold any treasures. It's just food stores. At least, I'm as certain as I can be with the current circumstances."

"And just what circumstances might change your mind?" The captain asks, her tail swishing back and forth in her annoyance.

"I cannot think of any in particular. We must always account for unforeseen circumstances. Without actually seeing the vessel, this is the best I can offer you." He shakes his head. "You paid me as an adviser aboard your vessel. Going on board adds potential risk, which means it's beyond the agreed-upon reward."

"So, are you renegotiating our deal, then?"

"Perhaps," Dai responds, giving her a straight look. He stands, returning his hands behind his back in that 'official' posture of his. "I am most interested in material of historical or sentimental value. You wouldn't mind if I take first choice among our spoils, would you if it is some useless trinket, I am sure."

"F... First choice!?" The captain spits. "You can't be serious!"

"I assure you, monetarily, I want things to be fair. I just might want an impressive trophy for my home, that's all."

"Captain," the turtle sailor said. "We know nothing of the naval ships. Their secrets are too air-tight. He's our only hope."

She sighs and eventually holds her hand to him. "You drive a hard bargain. But, you have yourself a deal, Dai."

Dai smirks and holds out his gloved hand, giving hers a firm shake. "Shall we get going?"

It's dark inside the old ship, and the treasure hunters prowl through each and every room, seeking the rich secrets of a forgotten war. Dai points towards all the areas of note through the tilted and half-sunken wreck. He knows these old vessels like he knows the back of his favorite glove, and soon, they have plundered for themselves quite the collection of spoils.

Dai takes it upon himself to check the Captain's quarters. This part is, of course, the most intimately familiar to him, as he had spent much time in a room quite similar to this while on board his own vessel. Everything here is remarkably similar: whoever captained this one was quite similar to him and he muses on if he knew him or her.

However, there is one part of the room that sticks out to him. Against the starboard wall, a desk sits where there wasn't one on his own vessel. He taps his nose, wondering what the captain would do with such a thing. There's no immediate necessity he can glean from his own experience, but he notes how inconspicuous it would appear to someone who wasn't in his position.

The other plunderers are elsewhere, busy carrying a large replica training missile, so he takes it upon himself to push the desk aside. It scrapes loudly over the floor, but the crack he sees in the wall behind it only confirms his suspicions--this ship has a secret door--one that his never had.

Grabbing a crowbar out of his toolkit, he punctures through the crack. With a mighty heave, he's able to force open the small opening, until a tiny room resembling a safe becomes visible to him.

He crawls onto his knees, somewhat regretting his choice of attire as he pokes his head inside. With a quick flick of a flashlight,the entirety of the chamber lights up, and all that's inside the bare section is a tiny wooden box. Such a curiosity might be just what he was looking for.